Rainbow - Indigo

Indigo.


Ink, denim, 'indigo carmine' food coloring...

The night sky also comes to mind:

Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you.’ They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, ‘Children, you have no fish, have you?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the lake. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.

(From John 21)

And perhaps to prayerfully mull over today...?

Psalm 8.3-4

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
    mortals that you care for them?

♫  My Indigo - My Indigo

Photo of the day - 94

'Rest day trousers'

I wonder, today... what do you do to relax, and in your free time? ...why is it relaxing?




[Photo shows a close up of denim fabric from a pair of jeans, with two rows stitching across the middle]

Boredom buster - 94

Indigo is used as a coloring - for fabric, food, and in ink.

Why not pick one of those today, as inspiration for something to do if you have free time or are feeling bored?

Maybe do some sewing (a face mask, perhaps?), make a cake (perhaps even a rainbow one?), try some calligraphy? ...or anything else that comes to mind?

Rainbow - Blue

Blue.


(Not that water is blue really, but...)

Mark 4:35-41

Jesus Stills a Storm

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’

And, to perhaps inspire prayer today:

Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine

Isaiah 43.1b

♫  Electric Light Orchestra - Mr Blue Sky

Photo of the day - 93

We're reopening some church buildings, but this pandemic is far from over. I wonder, today...

What can the Church learn from these last few months?
We've got a pretty unique opportunity to re-examine some things that we perhaps would never have considered changing before...   What 'blue sky thinking' comes to your mind?



[Photo shows silhouettes of birds sitting on telegraph wires, against a blue sky background]

Boredom buster - 93

Feeling blue?

Perhaps you know someone else who is?

Maybe give someone a ring today, or write them a letter?
...especially if you think they might not be expecting it?

(Both suggestions I've made before, but they're worth repeating! ...as is, find time to just sit and be, as you sit down with a cup of tea!)

A Day In The Life...

 
Today the Church remembers St Peter (and St Paul).

As part of remembering St Peter, 29th June and the days around it (a period called Petertide) are one of the two times ordinations usually take place (the other one's Michaelmas, on and around 29th September).

Tomorrow marks two years since I was made deacon - and a year and eight days since I was ordained priest. So today, I thought instead of the usual three posts, why not 'a day in the life of a curate in lockdown'?


To begin with, a now very familiar sight that didn't feature until recently, and won't in this 'day in the life of'. (Though Saturday had a Zoom Diocesan Synod, and Friday a meeting with Churchwardens....)

...Every day in ministry is different, but here's a snapshot of just one, yesterday - Sunday:

Breakfast and morning prayer to begin: 

Offenham church is now open for private prayer on Sundays and Wednesdays, so I took the opportunity to pop in on the dog walk - wonderful to see an open door again, and be able to pray inside.

Speaking of Tallis, here he is:

Sunday morning usually means a Communion service or two, and today was no different - though nowadays they're recorded: 

I usually check my emails (far too?) often. Fairly fruitlessly today - it was quite a quiet day on the email front.

From 1st July I'll be 'in charge' of two of the six parishes in the benefice as part of my third year of curacy, so I'm refreshing my knowledge of some of the details about PCC meetings etc:

Pastoral visits during lockdown have looked very different...

In between 'visits', services and paperwork, I can usually find time for a game or two with the kids:

And there was more reading today - one of the ordination promises is to keep learning. I'm hoping to do that in a really formal way soon, and start a PhD - here's some of my pre-reading for that:

With two small children the laundry and washing up never end. Today we had fun washing the car together, too: 

And Tallis gives a reason to get out again for some exercise, and some space to think, reflect, pray (and chat, if I'm not walking him on my own):

Evening prayer can't be in church with others at the moment, but the rhythm of morning and evening prayer are still important:

A wonderful book turned into a fantastic film, to finish the day:

Well, not quite finish, today... compline (night prayer) before bed is a great way to end the day.
(I led an online evening prayer a few weeks ago for Westcott House, Cambridge, where I did my training. One of ordinands who has just finished her training led compline as her first service of her curacy today. It was amazing to be part of it, from afar.)

Rainbow - Green

Green.


Green... for growth, creation, vibrancy and life:

From Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
3     he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
    for his name’s sake.





And perhaps for prayer, today:

I am like an olive tree
    flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love
    for ever and ever.

(from Psalm 52)



♫ Green Day - She

Photo of the day - 92

I wonder, today...

What is being 'made new' in your life at the moment?



[Photo shows a green and white 'recycling' symbol]

Boredom buster - 92

How about doing something 'green' today?

Is there something you can repurpose, that otherwise might have been thrown out?

Can you give new life to something that is looking past its best?

Could you start composting, or collecting rainwater for watering plants?

Perhaps resolve to be more aware wasted electricity... unused chargers left plugged in, lights left on in rooms that aren't being used, etc?

Maybe walk instead of hopping in the car, when that's possible?

Rainbow - Yellow

Yellow.

Exodus 3.1-6a

Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, ‘I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.’ When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ He said further, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’

For reflection and prayer today - A Song of Ephrem the Syrian

1    Behold: Fire and Spirit in the womb that bore you:  ♦

Behold: Fire and Spirit in the river where you were baptized.

2    Fire and Spirit in our baptism:  ♦

In the Bread and the Cup, Fire and Holy Spirit.

3    In your Bread is hidden a Spirit not to be eaten,  ♦

In your Wine dwells a Fire not to be drunk.

4    Spirit in your Bread, Fire in your Wine,  ♦

A wonder set apart, yet received by our lips.

5    How wonderful your footsteps, walking on the waters!  ♦

You subdued the great sea beneath your feet.

6    Yet to a little stream you subjected your head,  ♦

Bending down to be baptized in it.

7    The stream was like John who performed the baptism in it,  ♦

In their smallness each an image of the other.

8    To the stream so little, to the servant so weak,  ♦

The Lord of them both subjected himself.

♫  Coldplay - Yellow

Photo of the day - 91

Fire. Gold. Flowers. Sunshine. Happiness. Custard.

Something else?

I wonder...    What does 'yellow' bring to mind for you the most?



[Photo shows a yellow flower]

Boredom buster - 91

Yellow is the colour of sunshine, and happiness, and joy.

What about taking some time out today to intentionally do something that brings you joy? ...reading a book, phoning a friend, drinking a cup of tea... playing some music, doing some kind of craft, going for a walk.... 

...whatever it may be, try to take a moment to appreciate the joy it brings to you.

Rainbow - Orange

Orange.


At traffic lights, orange (or amber) means 'Stop, but be prepared - things are about to change'...


Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1.13

A suggestion for reflection and prayer:

From the rising of the sun to its setting,
    the name of the Lord is to be praised!

Psalm 113.3

♫  Nat King Cole - Orange Colored Sky

Photo of the day - 90

There are some incredibly colourful displays of flowers on the edges of the fields nearby at the moment.


I wonder, today...
What draws your attention to places where things are, metaphorically, growing in your life at the moment?



[Photo shows orange flowers amongst other wild flowers on the edge of a field.]

Boredom buster - 90

I don't think I've suggested a recipe for a while... how about looking through these collections of recipes that all use oranges?

BBC Goodfood

Delicious magazine

Rainbow - Red

Red



For each colour of the rainbow, I thought I'd give a suggestion of a Bible passage that makes me think of that colour.

As it's the first colour of the rainbow, let's begin at the start of the Bible...
Adam, which literally means 'man', stemmed from a word meaning 'red/to be red'...quite probably because of the red clay of the ground.

(Tenuous link time...!)

From clay, how about this passage today, from 2 Corinthians, chapter 4:

It is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 

A prayer for today:


Strike the rock of our hard hearts, O God,
and let our tears of joy and sorrow
mould us to bear the imprint of your love,
given in Christ our risen Lord.

(Prayer from the Church of England)

And a quote to reflect upon, from Groucho Marx:

'Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.'



♫ Red Hot Chilli Peppers - My Friends

Photo of the day - 89

A splash of red from cooking today's dinner.

Nothing particularly special - pasta and a tomato sauce; something I had *loads* as a child.

It made me wonder, though... what everyday things can I underappreciate, or not see the true beauty of?


[Photo shows a purple cooking spoon with red pasta sauce on it.] 

Boredom buster - 89

Some Bibles have the words of Jesus printed in Red.

How about reading some of one of the Gospels in a Bible like that, today? (or, if you usually use one, perhaps try one that has all the text in black...)

- an online Red Letter Bible is available using the preferences here.


...how do the red words (or lack of them) change the way you experience the Scripture?

Time for a change...

With church buildings opening up again, and public services possible from 4th July, it seems like that would be a good moment to make a change in this blog.

People are still staying at home, social distancing is still important, and a second wave is a distinct possibility, so it doesn't feel like time to stop the blog. Instead, rather than three separate posts each day, I'll still post daily, but just one post (each one a selection of a few of the things that we've had every day so far: Bible readings; thoughts; photos; music; questions; prayers; activities).

Until then, there's enough time for a couple of saints days and a rainbow - starting tomorrow with 'Red'!

Today the Church remembers the Birth of John the Baptist...

The birth of John the Baptist - who came to prepare the way for Jesus.


As we have just had the news that church services, will be possible in church buildings again soon, a theme of preparing seems apt.

So much was thrown up in the air because of lockdown, and preparations (and re-preparations) for all kinds of things we made - meetings online, recorded and live services, leaflets and prayer booklets to deliver to people.

It has been a prompt, I think, too reflect on what Church really is, and what it is for.

The lockdown was, necessarily, rushed.
As we begin to get some sense of the old 'normal' back (for as long as the virus levels stay relatively low), John the Baptist reminds us, I think, to not do everything with haste... there is wisdom and fruit that can be found in the reflections and events of the past few weeks and months.




For reflection and prayer today:

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Matthew 3.1-2

♫   John wore clothes made of camel's hair...    Camel - Song within a song

Photo of the day - 88

A new addition!

This is Rosa.

(Named for the pink on her leaves, and after Rosa Parks)

She's a 'prayer plant' - at night the leaves move to point up, almost like traditional 'praying hands'.

I wonder, today...
...what are you praying for at the moment?


[Photo shows a 'Prayer Plant']

Boredom buster - 88

John ate locusts and wild honey.

Why not do something sweet, or something around insects, today?

A few possibilities...    Bake a cake? Go for a walk? Sit in the garden, or near a lake? Get immersed in a different world through reading? Pray in an open church building? Enjoy a biscuit or slice of cake with a cup of tea?

Today the Church Remembers St Etheldreda...

St Etheldreda

St Etheldreda, or Audrey lived in the 7th century. She became a nun, and founded a double monastery - for men and women - at Ely.

When the 'Audrey lace', sold to pilgrims at a annual fair in Audrey's name, dropped out of fashion many years later (in the 17th century), the word 'tawdry' was born.

Ely has a special place in my heart. It was our 'go to' place to get out of the Cambridge 'bubble' when Hannah and I were students. It where I was confirmed (by the same bishop who made me deacon and ordained me priest in the last couple of years), and it was where my 3-day bishop's advisory panel for selection for training for ordained ministry was held.

Thinking about Etheldreda has made me reflect on other places that have significance on my life. Perhaps even more so because I also held a meeting today to discuss the details of reopening one of our church buildings, for private prayer.

As well as giving us a fine example of a life dedicated to God, Etheldreda's day also invites us to think about the places that are special to us, and the reasons why they are.


A prayer for today:

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your disciples, ‘I am with you always’. Be with me today, as I offer myself to you. Hear my prayers for others and for myself, and keep me in your care.
Amen.



♫  Memories - Shawn Mendes

Photo of the day - 87

I took this photo in Ely Cathedral while I was on 'BAP' - the 3 day selection panel to be recommended for training for ordination.

It's shaped like a path, as well as being a cross.

I wonder...what kind of path do you think it might be suggesting? Where are you, on that path?



[Photo shows the cross on the wall just inside Ely cathedral]

Boredom buster - 87

Etheldreda's monastery stood where Ely cathedral is now.

How about taking a virtual tour of the cathedral today?

Today the Church remembers St Alban...

St Alban.

(Here's a short video about St Alban)


The first martyr in Britain.

It's said that his first executioner miraculously converted, and refused to execute Alban. The second killed Alban, then immediately his eyes fell out(!)

It's also said that Alban was keen to be swiftly martyred...
People often strive to be first - for all kinds of things, from first in the queue, to first on the moon.
I'm not sure many of us would be so keen to for martyrdom!

As we remember St Alban today, how about thinking about other 'firsts' that are memorable and meaningful for you? - both in the world, and in your own life.

What do they tell you about God and your faith, today?



For reflection and prayer... some words of St Alban:

I worship and adore the true and living God who created all things



♫ The final hymn from yesterday's St Alban's day service at St Alban's Cathedral
Thine be the Glory

Photo of the day - 86

A head and a couple of eyes seem appropriate for today!!

Given those large eyes, I wonder, today...

...what can you see (not just literally) when you look at the world?




[Photo shows the 'koala head' hood of a koala onesie]

Boredom buster - 86

After thinking about Alban's executioner's eyes, here are a few more things with eyes (nothing gruesome, I promise!!)

Faces in things

Pentateuch - Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy means 'second law'. It is largely Moses repeating the law found earlier in the Pentateuch, just before the Israelites will enter the Promised Land.


It's through repetition through life that teachings, habits, prayer and faith become second-nature to us. And when they do, they become part of who we are, because we truly inhabit them.

 That message from Deuteronomy reminds me of this verse:

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 

(1 John 4.16b)

God is in all things, but through abiding in God we will see God's glory - around us, and within us.




For reflection and prayer today:

Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbour in your land.’

Deuteronomy 15.11

♫ A repeat of the very first music suggestion I made in this blog... Bless the Lord, my soul - Taize

Photo of the day - 85

The Shema, which Jewish people have attached to their doorframes, comes from Deuteronomy.

This is what we have at our front door... a stoup for holy water, that we can use to remind ourselves of our baptism as we leave and enter the house.

I wonder, today...
...what reminds you of your faith, each day?




[Photo shows our holy water stoup next to our front door.]

Boredom buster - 85

Deuteronomy... 'Second/repeated law'

So, for this week's 'weekend puzzle', how about a pairs memory game?

Pentateuch - Numbers

Numbers.

The Book of Numbers describes more about the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness, waiting for the time to enter the Promised Land.

It's called Numbers because there are two censuses in it... the first at the very beginning of the book.

Before I reflect on censuses (well, more labelling people) briefly, here are the words of the 'priestly blessing' from Numbers 6 - which I've included in this blog before, but I think it's worth having them again, as a reminder that we are all blessed by God, that we are all being prayed for, and that God is with us throughout all of this...

The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
25 the Lord make God's face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn God's face toward you
    and give you peace.”’



Counting people up, and dividing them up according to different criteria...  censuses are very useful, but it's also something we do at a smaller scale, far more widely and more frequently... attaching labels and putting people 'into boxes' - which at best either does nothing or is mildly irritating, but at the very worst can lead to all kinds of stereotypes, discrimination and abuse.

For example, does being female, or gay, or black, or disabled, or trans, or poor, or unable to keep good personal hygiene, or young, or having a different accent, make no difference to the way people are treated?   

As the answer is a clear 'No, it makes a massive difference to peoples' lives' (however equally we, personally, might treat everyone), today's words to reflect and pray with...

Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness”



♫ Music, for Numbers? Let's 'turn it up to 11' -

One - U2

Song 2 - Blur

Three Little Birds - Bob Marley

4 in the Morning - Gwen Stefani

5 Minutes Alone - Pantera

6/8 - Blink 182

Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes

Eight Miles High - The Beatles

9 to 5 - Dolly Parton

Perfect 10 - The Beautiful South

Eleven - Primus

Photo of the day - 84

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Boredom buster - 84

While we remember the Israelites wandering in the wilderness, how about doing some wandering of your own today?

Walk without a pre-set destination...or let your mind wander... or maybe use paper and wander, either with a book, or by doodling... (how else might you wander?)

...where will your wanders take you today?

Pentateuch - Leviticus

Leviticus.


Leviticus is full of rules and practices and laws to help the Israelites keep pure, and holy.

The book is named after the priestly tribe of the Israelites, the Levites (named after Levi).

While we don't stick to many of the rules found in Leviticus any more (cutting beards, eating shellfish, and wearing mixed fibres aren't uncommon, for example), one example Leviticus gives, that there might be a pattern/list of things to follow to help us be all that we can be, to be as close to God as possible, and to have the deepest possible relationship with God, is one worth exploring.

Personally, I find the rhythm of the daily offices to be enormously beneficial to my spiritual life/health. Morning and evening pray (along with the Eucharist) form the bedrock that gives energy and meaning to everything else. Other things, from saying compline (night prayer) some evenings, to keeping things that are meaningful and that remind me to pray in my pocket, to stopping for a brief moment throughout the day to intentionally acknowledge that I hope live, in all that I do, for God's glory - all these things, and more, help me to try to make prayer something I am as well as something I do, so that my life, as well as my times of prayer, is a prayer.



For prayer and reflection - the English translation of today's music suggestion:

This is the day the Lord has made
let us rejoice and be glad in it
Alleluia


♫ Byrd - Haec dies

Photo of the day - 83

Slightly tenuous link for the 'boredom buster'. Here, it's a pun.

Leviticus talks a lot about Holiness.

Here's something with lots of holes...

It makes me wonder...
Where are the 'holes' for you, at the moment, in your life and faith?
...Are they there because something's missing, or are they letting something wonderful shine out?


[Photo shows a simple metal candle holder with stars cut out of it, casting star shapes on the wall nearby]

Boredom buster - 83

'Purity' gives ideas of cleanliness, in all its forms.

Most literally, that means soap.

How about making some soap bubbles today?

They're definitely not just for kids (and they're not just for fun...I know more than one person who would suggest them rather than a paper bag for panic attacks - they take more focus, and steady breathing, and don't look so conspicuous either)

Perhaps just enjoy them for what they are, or maybe play games with them, take photos of them, see if you can stick more than one together, or pray with them.

Here's a recipe (adding the glycerine is a really good idea, if you have/can get any.)    Enjoy!

Pentateuch - Exodus

Exodus.

The Book of Exodus describes the flight from Egypt of the Israelites, and begin many years of wandering in the wilderness before they will, one day, reach the Promised Land.

As well as telling us a huge amount about God, and our relationship with God, Exodus also reminds us that we, too, are pilgrim people, travelling through this life to the promised land of heaven that awaits, beyond.

It's also a reminder that pilgrimages - journeys made intentionally to encounter God - can be incredibly powerful experiences.
It's difficult to go on a pilgrimage at the moment, but here are a couple of resources for 'pilgrimages at home':

Pilgrimage guide, from the Diocese of Oxford

Pilgrimage at home, from the Diocese of Portsmouth



For reflection and prayer today, how about the beginning of the 'prayer over the water' at Baptism services, in which those who are baptised begin a new journey...?

Loving Father,

we thank you for your servant Moses,

who led your people through the waters of the Red Sea

to freedom in the Promised Land.

We thank you for your Son Jesus,

who has passed through the deep waters of death

and opened for all the way of salvation.

♫ Travelling music is often a good plan. Here's a couple of departure-related musical suggestions:

Manic Street Preachers - A Song for Departure

Parry - Songs of Farewell
(all six of them...there are details of when each start, if you want a particular one or don't have time to listen to all 30+ minutes of them.)

Photo of the day - 82

I wonder, today...

...where are you heading at the moment?




[Photo shows a footprint on a muddy track.]

Boredom buster - 82

While we're thinking about the Exodus, how about another way of people moving around?

Why not send a hug to someone today?

The instructions here talk about making child-sized ones, but there's no reason why it couldn't be adult-sized too!

Draw around yourself, write or draw a message, and fold it into an envelope...
(you might need to stick paper together to make it big enough - and if you're drawing around yourself, you'll need to use both hands (one at a time!). )

Pentateuch - Genesis

Five days until the next Saints day, which sounds like the perfect gap for looking at the Pentateuch - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.

Genesis today.

'The origin/source/beginning'

The Book of Genesis starts, 'In the beginning...'

How about using that as a prompt to reflect on where your faith began?
…What is your first memory of your relationship with God? Who helped you on the way, right at the start of your faith journey? How has your faith developed, from that beginning?



A prayer you might like to use at the beginning of each day:

May today there be peace within.
May I trust God that I am exactly where I am meant to be.
May I not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May I use those gifts that I have received, and pass on the love that has been given to me
May I be confident knowing I am a child of God.
May this presence settle into my bones, and allow my soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

- Adapted from prayers of St. Therèse of Lisieux and St. Theresa of Avila


♫  A different Genesis as a music suggestion...     Genesis - Land of confusion